JDR Spotlight: Lisa Lally

Meet Lisa Lally! Lisa has been a loyal JDR member since the studio opened and now she has a goal to run a half-marathon in all 50 states (I mean, how cool is that?!) We are so lucky to have Lisa as part of our JDR community and wish her the best in pursuit of her goal!

How long have you been taking classes at JDR? How did you first hear about us?

I met Sara in 2010 when we both were doing CrossFit. I knew about her dance classes then, but never took one until JDR opened. Now, I’m hooked. I have been taking classes, usually as a drop in or on a pass ever since. The instructors and community are the best!

How have Just Dance classes impacted your training?

JDR has helped me a lot with cardiovascular endurance, especially the Mega Mix. Half Marathons definitely take me longer than 1 hour 30 minutes, but its a great way to get my heart rate up for a long period of time. Dancing also breaks up the monotony of training. I like to run, but I also like variety.

What states have you checked off your list? Do you have any others planned?

I’ve done fifteen states so far: Maine, Vermont, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Texas. I have two more planned this year and another four so far for 2017. My next race is the Richmond half this weekend! I try to make them little “run-cations”. I can’t wait until I do Hawaii (not sure when yet). Running is a great way to see a particular city or town. There are actually trips you can plan where you can do a different state on consecutive days, but I’m definitely a one at a time athlete.

What has been your favorite half-marathon so far?

My favorite half, hands down, is Richmond. The tagline for the event is “America’s Friendliest Marathon”. They’re right. The crowd support is amazing. The course is beautiful. It is also where I’ve run the best. I will run the Richmond Half for the third time on November 12th. If you’re thinking about running a half for the first time, Richmond would be a great one.

What’s your favorite song to twerk to in class?

I can’t pick just one. My current favorites are: Freedom, In the Summertime, Where the Party At?, America’s Sweetheart, Let Me Be Your Lover and The Water Dance.

Any JDR songs on your running playlist?

I actually have a whole playlist of JDR songs. There are over 100 songs on it and I know that doesn’t include all the JDR songs I have in my library. I like to listen to them when I run and think about the movements. It really helps take my mind off of running, especially when I get to miles 8-13.

What have you learned from JDR and your half-marathon experiences?

I’ve learned that doesn’t matter that I’m not the best runner or even the okay-est dancer. Finishing a race or dance class brings me so much joy and empowerment. I can’t get hung up on what ifs or the fear that I won’t do well in whatever I do. I just have to put myself out there and do my best. As the En Vogue song says, “Free your mind and the rest will follow.”

INTERVIEWED BY MORGAN JESSEE, JUST DANCE ROANOKE MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR